Racing

For the 2024 season the club will be racing the Micro Magic and the Volantex Vector S80 . The dates for racing are posted under the "Events and Social" page.

Micro Magic Yacht
The format of the racing will be as per previous years with competitors having to complete a number of laps of the course. The number of laps will be determined on the day and will depend on the wind conditions! As the Micro Magic is also compromised by weed, some racing may need to be postponed until the weed conditions improve.  

NMBC Racing speed boat

The Club has adopted the Volantex Vector SR80 as the speed boat for racing. The hull is 80 cm long and is powered by a 37/20 1800kv brushless motor with up to 4S LiPo batteries and a 60 amp ESC. Note that we currently race using 3S batteries.

There are two versions of the model, the standard version and the “Pro”. The principal differences are that the parts attached to the transom are plastic for the standard version and metal for the “Pro” version. Members have all chosen the “Pro” so far as the metal parts are more robust and better suited to our style of racing. The Pro version is a little more expensive and members can use either version. Both versions are “self righting”. The model is complete and ready to run and the user only needs to provide the necessary LiPo batteries.

We have had a couple of races using the Vector which have been great fun, the model is exciting and entertaining for both competitors and spectators alike! Our original intention was that the model should be raced out of the box with no modifications, but it has become apparent that some modifications are need to be made to suit our purposes.

First, and the most important concept, is that no modifications will be allowed where that modification gives a “competitive advantage” to the boat. This includes changing the underwater shape/profile, the motor, the rudder (except as below) the propshaft support on the transom, the propshaft, propeller or the turn fins. This is not an exhaustive list so I would ask that competitors bear in mind the spirit of this principal and if you want to make a modification not noted below it would be sensible to mention it first.

Modifications allowed are as below:

1. The model should carry a clearly visible number so the race marshal can count the number of laps as the boat passes the launch area. Popular practice seems to be to fix a white tab with a black number to either the propshaft support or rudder support on the transom.

2.    The colour can be changed to make the model more easily identifiable to the skipper when  racing.

3.     Additional flotation can be added internally to preserve the hull from sinking if the if the integrity of the hull, or the hatch should fail.

4.     The tabs retaining the hatch can be modified to avoid the hatch becoming detached from the hull in the event of an accident.

5.      Tape can be used where the hatch fits to the deck to avoid water entering the inside of the  hull. 

6.      An external switch or loop can be added.

7.     The water outlet can be moved forward on the hull allowing for the exit of cooling water to be observed by the skipper.

8.      The existing rudder support arm can be re-engineered solely to incorporate a sacrificial bolt to protect the transom in the event of the rudder hitting something solid in the water.

9.      The ESC can be changed to allow for reverse.

10.    The radio system can be changed from the current “pistol” grip to a “stick” type transmitter.  

The picture below is my model where I have added a tab with racing number, moved the water outlet forward, replaced the vulnerable plastic arm securing the hatch with an aluminium one, painted the hatch (but a more individual scheme is necessary for racing) and I use a different transmitter and radio.

This picture is of John Wiseman's model, very individual and there is no mistaking it on the water!! It’s not painted but “wrapped” in vinyl. Great finish and very bling!!